sma - I do not have experience with the Ergomo unit, but I can say the SRM is a fine piece of work. It installs easily, works flawlessly (in my experience) and allows me to use any wheel set-up I so desire. You should check out the power forums for more info on the Ergomo.

maybe you can offer some advice. i'm what you would call an "enthusiast" rider, i guess. i really don't have any intentions of racing, as i am not that competitive. i'm more competitive with myself in that i really just want to be a faster rider. is a power meter really worth it then?

sma - Much of the cycling world is behind the use of power as a training metric. Just look at the PRO peloton as an example. However, power is only as good as the rider who uses the equipment and properly utilizes the data. Power training can be a slippery slope and can lead to isolated rides intent on keeping the power right where it should be for the day's goals. I would recommend joining a good group ride, one where the other riders are just a bit faster than you, a ride where you are sure to get dropped the first couple times you attempt it. After a few rides you will be capable of hanging and in time able to contribute to the fast tempo. Another advantage to the group ride is you will be spending time with others who share your passion. -RF

RF, thanks for the advice. I actually did a group ride last night for the 2nd time and decided to lead the entire "B" group for about 95% of the ride. Most couldn't keep up with me, which felt great. My avg. heart rate was 172 though, which probably took a couple years off of my life ;)

However, I think you have to look at the complete power solution as SRM and Ergomo work totally differently and it comes down to the software that analyses the data.

The other thing that I have noticed is that there is difference in the measured power with both units ie up to 15% variance between both systems.

who is right.. I don't know how both systems are calibrated.

so my advice is that you use relative power ie look at the gains in power, sustainability of power bursts etc but don't use the devices to compare the power generated by different bikes/rider as it will not reflect an accurate measurement.

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Belgium Knee Warmers Defined

For many professional cyclists the Spring campaign is the toughest of the season; it means training from October until March in the worst, character-building weather conditions Europe can dish out. This weather and the suffering that is bicycle racing breed characters known as "hardmen".

Select cyclists tackle these conditions in shorts, long sleeve jerseys or short sleeve jerseys with arm warmers, wind vests, and shoe covers. A true hardman opts to forego the knee or leg warmers and instead chooses an embrocation to cover the knees. The liniment provides warmth for the legs and keeps the blood circulating and muscles supple. Embrocation and the sheen created is affectionately known as "Belgium knee warmers". The hardest of cyclists will sport bare legs in the most ruthless of conditions.

Belgium Knee Warmers are indicitive of the many subtleties that make professional cycling so enthralling.

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I spent 20 years of my life working in the bicycle industry, turning wrenches and selling bikes for some of the industry's best shops. I have extensive experience designing and constructing frames in both steel and titanium and have performed thousands of bike fits. I am passionate about bicycles in all forms. The bicycle provides me with physical and mental health and taps me into a social pipeline that allows me to share my passion with others. I ride as often as possible and love the flow of a hard group ride. Check back for musings about all things road cycling and, especially, the Spring Classics. The devil is in the details and I am an expert in the useless minutia that makes up our discipline.